"Isn't My Hair Color Pretty?" Why Lee Youngji Changed Her Red Hair Back to Black in Just One Day

Deleted Post and Dyed Hair Back to Black
“I Will Reflect and Learn,” Says Lee Youngji
Hong Jinkyung and Karina Also Faced Similar Controversies
Some Criticize the Reactions as Overly Excessive

Singer Lee Youngji became embroiled in controversy over political colors after posting a photo on social media during the election period, where she appeared with red hair and a red T-shirt. As the controversy intensified, Lee Youngji deleted the post, dyed her hair back to black within a day, and issued a direct apology.

On May 30, Lee Youngji revealed her newly dyed red hair on her social networking service (SNS), posting, "Isn't my hair color pretty?" In another photo she posted, she was seen with red hair and wearing a red T-shirt.

Singer Lee Youngji posted a photo on social media during the election period wearing red hair and a red T-shirt, sparking controversy over political colors. As the controversy grew, Lee Youngji deleted the post and dyed her hair black again just one day later, issuing a direct apology. Lee Youngji Instagram

The issue arose because the post was uploaded nationwide during the advance voting period for the June 3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections. Some online communities and SNS users linked Lee Youngji's hair color and outfit to the symbolic color of a particular political party. Upon recognizing the controversy, Lee Youngji quickly deleted the related post.

On the 31st, Lee Youngji posted a photo of herself with her hair dyed back to black and offered an explanation. She said, "I must have startled many of you by posting such an untimely story yesterday," and added, "So many people DM'd me about it that I felt sorry and wanted to remedy the situation as quickly as possible, so I rushed to dye my hair and my explanation was delayed." She continued, "Even though I was well aware that this is an important time, my desire to communicate came first, and I posted recent photos without giving them enough thought," and she apologized, saying, "I won’t hide behind the excuse of ignorance; I will reflect and learn from this. I apologize for my careless behavior."

This is not the first time controversies have arisen over celebrities' outfits or color choices during elections. Previously, broadcaster Hong Jinkyung faced a similar controversy after posting a photo in a red sweater on SNS the day before the 21st presidential election main vote. At the time, Hong Jinkyung apologized, saying, "I made a foolish mistake during a sensitive period."

Karina, a member of the group aespa, also faced suspicions of supporting a particular political party after posting a photo during the election period wearing a red jumper and a shirt with the number '2'. Karina responded, "As misunderstandings grew and fans became concerned, I felt I needed to speak directly," expressing her intention to be more careful, while her agency SM Entertainment explained, "It was simply a routine post with no other intention."

However, some have argued that such controversies are excessive. Unless a celebrity explicitly expresses support for a specific candidate or political party, it is unreasonable to conclude political intentions based solely on colors or outfits. Others have countered that celebrities, as citizens, also have the right to political expression. As the recurring 'color controversy' has once again spread across the entertainment industry's SNS during the election season, debates over the boundary between the caution expected of public figures and individual freedom of expression are likely to continue for some time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.